New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India Thursday refused to put a stay on the centre's recent order banning the sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter. The Apex Court however sought response from the Centre on pleas challenging the controversial notification.
TheSC move came after it received two separate petitions challenging the Centre’s notification.
One of the petitioners, who has approached the apex court challenging the notification, has claimed in his plea that the provisions in the notification were unconstitutional as they violated the fundamental rights including freedom of conscience and religion and right to livelihood.
But, Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha, appearing for the Centre, told the bench comprising Justices R K Agrawal and S K Kaul that motive behind enforcing the notification was to have a regulatory regime on cattle trade across the country.
The apex court fixed the matter for hearing on July 11.
On the other hand, Union Environment and Science Minister Harsh Vardhan said his ministry was 'critically examining' all the representations to ensure that not even a single person has heartburn because of the government's notification titled 'Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Regulation of Livestock Markets) Rules, 2017'.
"We will put a positive action in place to address every concern and ensure that not even a single person has heartburn on the issue," Harsh Vardhan said while talking to reporters.
Widespread anger and nrest were seen across the country following the centre's controversial order banning cattle trade. Beef festivals were also organised at some places to register protest. In Kerala alleged Congress workers slaughtered animals on road to express their anger.
The Madras High Court has recently granted interim stay on the notification.
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